Betty Phillips
(nee Hollars) On Nov. 30, 2025. Wife of the late Charles R. Phillips: beloved mother of Teresa Baker (Victor “Chip”) of W. Deptford, NJ, Joanne Johnson of Haddonfield, NJ, , Ford Phillips (Molly) of Seattle, WA, Jeannine DerBedrosian of E. Brunswick, NJ, and the late Cynthia L. Paolucci; loving grandmother of 13, great grandmother of 24, great-great grandmother of 1, and Dear sister of William Hollars of KY, Diana Martin of IN and the late Ruth Hooker, Albert Toth, and Alice Wyrick.
Betty graduated as Salutatorian of Morristown High School (IN), Class of 1945, and graduated with a BS in Mathematics and English Education from Purdue Univ. in 1949. While at Purdue, she was on the Varsity Debate Team and a member of Phi Mu Sorority. She taught a year of school in Indiana, relocated with her husband to Oklahoma for two years, and then to NJ for several years. In the 1960’s, Betty’s family moved to Satellite Beach, Florida, as her husband was a big part of the space program. While there, Betty was involved with Eastern Star, the American Association of University Women (past president), started the 4-H clubs on the peninsula, and loved being a part of the activities in an exciting time of our space age. She facilitated teenage 4-Hers traveling from around the USA to attend space liftoffs during the Apollo era. Betty also lobbied for educational equality in schools for all children no matter what their race or gender. She was honored in Haddonfield on Martin Luther King day about 15 years ago for her active involvement in promoting Civil Rights for all people throughout her life, but especially in the 1960’s. While living in Satellite Beach, Betty and family were charter members (and builders) of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Cocoa Beach. Upon moving back to NJ in 1970, Betty continued her 4-H activities in Haddon Heights and Haddonfield, and completed her graduate work at Glassboro State College (now Rowan Univ.) She was a Junior High School teacher in Haddon Heights for many years (sponsored the cheerleaders and the Jr. High Yearbook), and was actively involved in the Order of the Eastern Star, Haddonfield Chapter #140. Additionally, Betty was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday School, served on the Church Vestry as both Jr. & Sr. Warden, and was a member of Altar Guild and Episcopal Church Women. Betty also loved summers of camping and fishing on Lake Ontario. She had a passion for animals, gardening, music, family get-togethers, traveling, and her faith in God. Betty was quite an avid supporter of and inspiration to her children, grandchildren and others around her.
Betty’s family will receive relatives & friends on Monday, December 8th, 9:30- 10:15 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 19 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033; where her Order of the Eastern Star Service will be at 10:30 AM and the Religious Service will follow at 11 AM. Interment, Colestown Cem., Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation in honor of Betty may be made to her Church at the above address or to the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #140, 16 Kings Hwy. East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.